From 06 to 07 February 2025, in collaboration with UN Women Rwanda, all Members of Parliament participated in an induction training on gender equality and women's transformational leadership.
During the period above, the acquired skills include advancing gender equality and analyzing the national budget and development plans with a gender-sensitive approach. Members of Parliament vow to monitor the implementation of gender equality principles and gender responsive budgeting across various sectors further.
Parliamentarians pledged to be role models in promoting gender equality within Rwandan society and to continue monitoring its implementation to address existing gaps across all sectors.
The training aimed to improve lawmakers' understanding of gender-sensitive policies and enhance their ability to promote inclusive leadership across the country.
The Senate President, Rt. Hon. Dr Kalinda François Xavier stated that the training provided insights on integrating gender equality into legislative processes and development planning.
He remarked, "Understanding gender equality will help build resilient families free from gender-based violence."
The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Hon. Kazarwa Gertrude, highlighted Parliament's key role in monitoring the implementation of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), particularly its gender-related objectives.
She stated: “Parliamentarians must assess whether these programs are delivering the expected results on gender equality. Where gaps are identified, corrective measures must be taken to address the challenges.”
On behalf of UN Women Representative, Ms Tikikel Tadele Alemu, UN Women Programme Specialist said, "As we strive to implement NST2, let us foster women’s transformational leadership, anchored in intergenerational dialogue & mentorship to promote equality, equity & inclusivity, responding to the needs of all Rwandans, ensuring no one is left behind,”
The President of the Forum of Rwandan Women Parliamentarians (FFRP), Hon. Uwizeye Marie Thérèse, emphasized that this training aligns with the Forum’s vision, which is "to build a united family that promotes gender equality, fostering development for all Rwandans without leaving anyone behind."
The sessions cover topics such as explaining the concept of gender equality, reflecting on international and regional agreements on gender equality for women's empowerment, gender responsive budgeting, and the national policy for promoting gender equality.
